A Steep (24%) Paved Road to Nigra Pass in the Dolomites

A Steep (24%) Paved Road to Nigra Pass in the Dolomites

Italy, europe

Length

30 km

Elevation

1,688 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Passo Nigra is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting at 1,688m (5,538ft) in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, nestled in northern Italy's South Tyrol region.

Here's what makes this route such a wild ride: the 30km (18.64 miles) stretch runs south-north from Carezza (near Costalunga Pass) all the way to Prato Isarco, and it's completely paved. Built back in 1957, this road absolutely doesn't mess around—we're talking a jaw-dropping maximum grade of 24% (the signage claims 27%, but let's go with what's actually there). It's legitimately one of Italy's steepest passes, yet somehow it stays open year-round.

At the summit, you'll find a welcoming mountain hut complete with a bar and restaurant—perfect for catching your breath and refueling after tackling those intense grades. Whether you're a hardcore driving enthusiast or just looking for an adrenaline-pumping Alpine adventure, Passo Nigra delivers the goods. The combination of serious elevation, brutal gradients, and stunning mountain scenery makes this one unforgettable journey through the Italian Alps.

Where is it?

A Steep (24%) Paved Road to Nigra Pass in the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.6828, 13.2092

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
30 km
Max Elevation
1,688 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
42.6828, 13.2092

Related Roads in europe

A very bumpy, grueling road to Bocca di Battagliahard

A very bumpy, grueling road to Bocca di Battaglia

🇫🇷 France

Bocca di Battaglia is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.104m (3,622ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. The road to the summit is awesome, with sections up to 12%. Tight bends and faster sweepers. The road to the summit, also known as Col de Bataille, is asphalted. Unfortunately, the asphalt is no longer the best. It’s pretty narrow and steep with some hairpin turns. It’s called D63. The pass is located between the towns of Speloncato and Pioggiola. Do not hesitate to have some stop in the small villages along the way. The summit offers stunning views of the sea, Santa Reparata region with the reservoir, the towns of Belgodere and Speloncato. Sometimes, it’s possible to see the French mainland. A minor gravel road east of the pass climbs up to  , a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.200m (3,937ft) above the sea level. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Is Qafa e Asters unpaved?moderate

Is Qafa e Asters unpaved?

🇦🇱 Albania

Okay, picture this: Qafa e Asters, snaking through the northwestern part of the country, offering a totally mind-blowing mountain panorama. This isn't your average Sunday drive though. We're talking a completely unpaved road to the summit. Seriously, it's rough! This isn't a route for your everyday sedan; you'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to handle the rocky terrain. Some sections are so gnarly, they're impassable for 2WD vehicles. While I don't have the exact length of the road, know that the journey is very remote, quiet, and secluded. Just you, your trusty ride, and some seriously epic views! It's not easy, but if you're up for the challenge, Qafa e Asters is an adventure you won't forget.

Where is Bwlch Pen Barras?hard

Where is Bwlch Pen Barras?

🇬🇧 Wales

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Denbighshire, Wales, in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You stumble upon Bwlch Pen Barras, or Old Bwlch as the locals call it – a fully paved but seriously narrow mountain pass that’ll get your heart pumping. This baby climbs to 360m (1,181ft) and stretches for 5.6km (3.5 miles) from Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd to Tafarn-y-Gelyn. Cyclists, get ready for a workout! There are two ways up, but the west side is a real beast. From Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, you're gaining 260 meters (853 feet) in just 2.25km (1.4 miles). Brace yourself for sections hitting a whopping 25% gradient, including a crazy steep hairpin turn. The east side is a bit gentler, but the reward? A mile-long, dead-straight downhill run from the summit – perfect for an adrenaline-fueled descent after all that climbing. Plus, its location makes it a sweet spot for linking up with other climbs in the area. Get ready for stunning scenery and a serious challenge!

A defiant narrow road through Foz de Biniéseasy

A defiant narrow road through Foz de Biniés

🇪🇸 Spain

# Foz de Biniés: Spain's Hidden Canyon Drive Ever heard of Foz de Biniés? If you haven't, you're missing out on one of Spain's most breathtaking canyon roads. Nestled in the La Jacetania region of Huesca, deep in the Pyrenees of northern Spain, this 21.1 km (13.11 miles) stretch is an absolute must-do for road trippers, cyclists, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Running from Canal de Berdún to Ansó along the A-1602, this route carves straight through a dramatic landscape shaped by the Veral river. We're talking towering vertical walls that soar over 200 meters high—seriously jaw-dropping scenery. The entire road is nicely paved, so you can focus on soaking in those incredible views rather than wrestling with rough terrain. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. You'll encounter several primitive stone tunnels along the way, and the canyon is prone to rockslides, so staying alert is essential. But that's part of what makes it such a thrilling experience. Whether you're riding a bike, cruising on two wheels, or hiking the surrounding trails, Foz de Biniés delivers an unforgettable adventure through some of northern Spain's most spectacular mountain scenery.